RAIN CASTS DOUBT ON GLENEAGLES BID

Gleneagles’ mouthwatering clash with Derby winner golden Horn in t oday’s Juddmonte International stakes hangs in the balance this morning after an unexpected amount of rain fell at York yesterday.

The participation of the dual 2,000 guineas winner is likely to hinge on the verdict of trainer aidan O’Brien after he has expected the going on the Knavesmire. Fast-ground specialist gleneagles was pulled out of the sussex stakes at glorious goodwood last month when the ground, which was officially described as good, was considered too slow for him.

The going at York last night was good (good to soft in places) after 9mm of rain fell during the day and it was still falling at 8pm. Despite a dry forecast today, there is a significant chance that O’Brien will again deem conditions to be unsuitable for gleneagles.

If he is scratched, York would lose the headline clash at its four- day ebor meeting. The head-to-head in the £900,000 International stakes has been billed as Race of the Year.

Kevin Buckley, UK representative of gleneagles’ Coolmore stud owners, said: ‘The horse is jumping out of his skin and we want to run but given the rain we have to be concerned.

‘The plan remains for gleneagles to travel from Ireland in the morning and aidan will then be able to assess conditions himself when he is at the track.’

gleneagles’ odds had been pushed out to 5-1 by some bookmakers last night.

If it takes place, the clash between Frankie Dettori-ridden, John gosdentrained golden Horn and Joseph O’Brien-ridden gleneagles would be the first meeting between a 2,000 guineas winner and Derby winner on British soil since Rodrigo de Triano won the 1992 International stakes with Derbywinning stablemate Dr Devious back in fourth.

even if gleneagles is pulled out, unbeaten golden Horn still faces useful opponents in Time Test and The grey gatsby.

Meanwhile, Dettori’s mount in the Betway great Voltigeur stakes, unbeaten Tashaar, will be supplemented to next month’s ladbrokes st leger if he proves himself today.

The Richard Hannon-trained colt won a Haydock maiden before sauntering home in a goodwood handicap under Frankie Dettori.

He is thrown into group Two company and faces five horses in the first nine spots in the ante-post betting for the final Classic at Doncaster headed by 6-1 favourite and Derby third storm The stars.